Mazda MAZDA6

The Car Connection Mazda MAZDA6 Overview

The four-door, mid-size Mazda 6 has been a part of the Japanese automaker's lineup for nearly 15 years, but it remains something of a hidden gem not often cross-shopped against its segment rivals.

Redesigned for 2014 and updated in 2016, the 6 brings a few updates to the table for 2017. At the top end, the 6 now offers upmarket Nappa leather and a trick system that provides light "trail braking"to take what was already a premium-feeling and polished-driving sedan to another level.

In most ways, the 6 outpaces its hot-selling rivals like the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, and it is a strong contender for style points against the Ford Fusion.

The third-generation Mazda 6 arrived in early 2013 as a 2014 model, with production of the U.S. version shifted back to Japan from Michigan. The car is lighter and leaner, with great fuel economy courtesy of two gas engines from Mazda's SkyActiv family. A diesel has been promised since launch, but delays have kept it from us, and it may or may not still make it here for this generation; that decision has likely been complicated by the drop in gas prices that makes diesel fuel more expensive.

In design, the latest Mazda 6 follows the radical Takeri Concept introduced at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. It's sleek, elegant, and noticeable. We have also found the new Mazda 6 to be more refined than ever—with responses that are athletic, if not overly sharp and sporty. A 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter gasoline SkyActiv inline-4 is standard, along with the choice of either a new 6-speed manual gearbox (a rarity among mid-size sedans) or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mazda's mild-hybrid system is also offered in the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, using capacitors to rapidly store energy during braking or deceleration and make a further improvement to fuel efficiency.

Standard features have been boosted throughout the lineup, although we've found that the latest infotainment interface in the 6 is a little disappointing compared to others in the class. There is plenty of standout active-safety technology in the Mazda 6, including adaptive front lighting, blind-spot monitors and rearview camera, an automatic emergency braking system, and a lane-departure warning system.

Mazda gave the 6 a major update for the 2016 model year. The interior and exterior were lightly refreshed, and cabin materials are improved. Mazda also fit the latest version of its infotainment system, which includes an optional head-up display; the infotainment system was first used in the new Mazda 3 and remains a marked improvement over the one in early versions of this 6 sedan, featuring a better screen and quicker responses. The 2016 car also switched to an electronic parking brake, which frees up some space on the redesigned center console.

For 2017, Mazda has added to the range-topping Grand Touring optioned up with the Premium Package its new G-Vectoring Control System, which works like "trail braking" by applying engine braking when the wheels are turned to shift weight forward. The end goal is to increase grip on the front tires in order to maximize turn-in tenacity. Once the turn is held, the system releases the torque load to transfer weight to the rear of the car. Mazda says that the deceleration force is subtle—just 0.01 g or less—in order to retain a more natural feel on the road.

Mazda 6 history

We're now into the third generation of the Mazda 6, the first model of which was a follow-up to the Mazda 626, which came before Mazda's shift to single-number model names. The first-generation car hit the market in 2002 as a 2003 model and ran for five years. It was available as a standard sedan, a sedan-like five-door hatchback, and a five-door station wagon. It offered a choice between a 2.3-liter inline-4 and a 3.0-liter V-6, and could be paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual. A Mazdaspeed version of the sedan was also available in 2006 and 2007 only. The Mazdaspeed6 offered an interesting combination of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and all-wheel drive; the chassis was tweaked and the body and trim received had a sportier take as well.

A second-generation Mazda 6 arrived in the U.S. in 2008 as a 2009 model. Its design was specific to the U.S., a sort of Americanization to try and better capture mid-size buyers in this market. Engines received an upgrade in output and size; the inline-4 grew to 2.5 liters while the V-6 expanded to 3.7 liters. Mazda kept the four-door sedan, but dropped the wagon and five-door hatch for this market. A Mazdaspeed also did not return.

Though it came in just the single sedan body style, this 2009-2013 Mazda 6 offered a full seven trim levels over its life span, ranging from economical family-sedan models to luxurious grand tourers. The entry-level Mazda 6 i SV offered a strong base feature set including a 6-speed manual transmission, the 170-horsepower inline-4 engine, and standard stability control and anti-lock brakes, but did without alloy wheels, keyless entry, or an advanced stereo system. The Mazda 6 i Sport added the option of a 5-speed automatic transmission, keyless entry, cruise control, and steering-wheel audio controls, among other features. The Mazda 6 i Touring had 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver's seat, halogen fog lights, and an upgraded six-disc stereo system. Upgrading to the Mazda 6 i Touring Plus deleted the option of a manual transmission while adding a power moonroof, electroluminescent gauges, blind-spot monitoring, and an anti-theft system.

The Mazda 6 i Grand Touring was the highest-end model. It was fitted with the four-cylinder engine, sharing most of its features with the V-6-powered Mazda 6 s Grand Touring except for the six-cylinder car's 18-inch alloy wheels and 6-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda 6 s Touring Plus offered the same features as the Mazda 6 i Touring Plus, with the substitution of the V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic.

Amazing Car! Could Not Be Any Happier

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Slightly underpowered for it's class and size. MazdaConnect has it's issues too. Would love the ability to use the Nav System freely and openly, especially while driving. When it locks up due to driving...
Slightly underpowered for it's class and size. MazdaConnect has it's issues too. Would love the ability to use the Nav System freely and openly, especially while driving. When it locks up due to driving, finding an address is almost impossible until you stop. Need the ability to alter the UI and add Google Auto to the Nav System. Car owner's want to be able to truly make it their own for personalization purposes.

Overall, i would say this car is a 9.0 out of 10. From the interior to the exterior, the 6 GT is what a car should look and drive like. Mazda's SkyActiv Technology is what all cars should be about. Perfection is rarely achieved but Mazda nailed it just about. + More »

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April 16, 2015

For 2016 Mazda MAZDA6

This is best car for the value.

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Nice car for young age people as well as middle age peoples.

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October 13, 2015

2015 Mazda MAZDA6 4-Door Sedan Automatic i Grand Touring

Outstanding "family sedan"

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I hate the term "family sedan" for a car like this because it implies boring and utilitarian, which this car is definitely not. Very good performance and fun to drive. (A turbo would be nice but I always want...
I hate the term "family sedan" for a car like this because it implies boring and utilitarian, which this car is definitely not. Very good performance and fun to drive. (A turbo would be nice but I always want more power!) Great styling. Good quality fit and finish. Excellent features for the price, especially safety. Very nice size trunk. Best part of car is fuel economy which is outstanding. I'm getting a little under 36 mpg in 60/40 highway/local driving on regular gas. I'm not sure you can do better in a non-hybrid, non-diesel mid-size car. In fact it beats many hybrids and diesels in mpg. Only complaint is small screen for infotainment ( which was rectified for '16). One other good thing about this car is there are relatively few on the road so you don't see yourself coming and going as with Accords and Camrys. You definitely need to check it out if you're in this market. + More »